Keeping Battery Power

[txcopfromcali]

I'm new to boating. I currently have a two battery system, one a cranking battery and the other being the trolling motor battery which also powers the fish finder. Two weeks ago, I took the boat out, which it ran, however I had no power to the trolling motor and fish finder. Since then I purchased an on board 2 bank charger, which I have not used until today, as I was planning on taking the boat out tomorrow. Shortly after using the charger, I had power to the ff and trolling motor. Problem solved right? Wrong, I attempted to start the main motor and it wouldn't crank. I believe the battery may be dead. Any tips on battery maintence? Anything i may be overlooking?j Thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: Keeping Battery Power

Your batteries need to be kept charged all the time -- does your on-board charger have a "float mode"? if so, keep it plugged in 24/7. If not, take it back.

The outboard will keep the cranking battery topped off while on the water. The trolling motor needs to be recharged ASAP when you get home, on a 10- or 12-amp setting.

Then, if you don't use your boat, recharge the batteries every 2 or 3 weeks.

Don't drain the battery while it's recharging, it'll fool some chargers into thinking that the battery's ready to go.

 

[jevery]

Re: Keeping Battery Power

You can mount a maintainer in the starting battery compartment and keep it plugged in too. Be sure to check water levels in your batterys every few months.

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